Slip



June 17, 1941.

G. D. .JOHNSONv SLIP Filed April 8, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 17, 1941. G. D. JOHNSON SLI? 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed April 8, 1940 Patented June 17, 1941 ISLIP Glenn D. Johnson, Compton, Calif., assignor to Baash-Ross Tool Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application April 8, 1940, Serial No. 328,517

`(Cl. 24-2ea5) 11 Claims.

This invention relates to well drilling equipment and relates more particularly to slips for use in the rotary table of a well drilling rig. A

general obj ect of this invention is to provide prac- Y tical, eifective and improved rotary slips.

Another object of this invention is to provide slip-s embodying replaceable pipe engaging liners retained in the slip bodies by novel, dependable means.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned in which the replaceable liners are removably secured in the slip bodies in such a manner that the vertical and rotational strains resulting from supporting the pipe and from breaking out the pipe joints, etc., are transmitted directly to the slip bodies.

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned in which the liner retaining means do not include pins, bolts, screws, or other parts liable to break, shear oif, become loosened or detach-ed. l

Another object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned in which theA liner retaining means are simple and inexpensively embodied in the slip structure and provide for Ithe quick easy removal and replacement of the liners. Y i

A further object of this invention is to provide slips of the character mentioned in which the handles are hinged to the slip bodies 'so that they may always rest on the surface of the rotary table out of the path of the descending elevators When the slips are seated in the table and are arranged and formed for the most convenient and advantageous handling of the slips.

The various objects and features of myinvention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the` accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig'. 1 is a side elevation of a slip construction of the present invention arranged in the operative position in a rotary table bushing and engaging about a pipe, the bushing appearing in vertical section. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the parts illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig'. 3 is an enlargedface elevation of one of the slips being a View taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 2, with a portion broken away to illustrate the details of a hinge connection. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentaryverticaldetailedseotional view taken as indicated by line #g4 on Fig. 3. Fig.'5 is a horizontal detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detailed sectional view illustrating the active surface of one of the liners.

The features of the invention are adapted to be embodied in slip structures varying somewhat in character. In the following detailed disclosure I will describe a typical preferred form and application of the invention, it being understood that the invention is not to be4 construed as limited or restricted to the particulardetails set forth.

The slip structure of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, hingedly oonnected bodies II), liners I I for engaging the work or pipe P, means I2 for removably retaining the liners II on the bodies I0, and handles I3 and I4 for the slip structure.

In the slip structure illustrated there are three connected or hinged slip bodies I0,`it being understood that the invention is n ot restricted to this type of construction and is capable of embodiment in slips or slip sets having two, three, or more individual or connected slip bodies. The bodies IU are tapered or wedge shaped parts adapted to be inserted in the tapered opening O of a rotary table bushing B to engage about and grip or support the pipe P. The slip bodies I()V are'alike or complementary and have substantiallyv vertical inner sides and sloping tapered outer sides for engaging in the opening O. The main outer surfaces I5 of the bodies IIJ are transversely or horizontally Vconvex and are downwardly and inwardly tapered to conform. to the wall of the tapered bushing opening O. The opposite edges or sides I6 of the bodies I0 are bevelled away or are rearwardly convergent.. The upper outer corners of the bodies YIII are bevelledl away or sloped downwardly and outwardly and the outer lower corners of the bodies may be bevelled, as desired. The bevelled tops of the bodies. I0 are preferably cored out or ribbed to reduce the material and weight. The lower ends of the bodies I0 preferably have ilat horizontal surfaces I'I adapted to rest on the rotary table or other support. so that the slips m-ay stand upright when not in use. The inner sides of the slip bodies I0 are of special formation to receive the liners II and the retaining means I2. Y

Hinges connect the slip bodies I0 so that the tool is unitary or capable of insertion, removal and handling as a unit. The hinge means for connecting the three slip bodies ID may comprise, vertically vspaced lugs I8 projecting from the opposite sides I6 of the intermediate body III and complementary lugs I9 projecting from the opposing sides of the other bodies IIJ. The lugs I9 are disposed above and below the lugs I8 of the intermediate body I and have vertical openings 20. Vertical openings 2| of larger diameter pass through the lugs I8. Hinge pins 22 are arranged through the openings 20 and 2| to hingedly connect the bodies I IJ. The pins 22 pass through the openings 2| with substantial clearance and are rather closely received in the openings 2IJ. The opposing ends of the openings 2| have bevelled or tapered sockets and shiftable sleeves 23 are arranged on the pins 22 and have tapered ends cooperating with the tapered sockets of the openings 2|. Springs 24 surround the pins 22 and are arranged under compression between the sleeves 23 to urge the tapered parts of the sleeve in the tapered parts of the openings 2|. The spring urged sleeves 23 yieldingly hold the bodies IIJ against relative tilting or rocking. Tubes 25 surround or enclose the springs 24 and portions of the sleeves 23. The spring hinges just described dependably connect the three bodies I Il yet allow a limited relative movement of the bodies Il) so that they may evenly conform to and fit in the bushing opening O.

The liners |I are the wear taking, object or -pipe engaging elements of the slips and in accordance with the invention are removable and replaceable. In the preferred construction there are two similar or identical liners II carried by each slip body I D. The liners II are elongate members provided with cylindrically convex outer surfaces 26 and cylindrically concave inner sides. The inner sides of the liners II are finished to dependably grip the object or pipe P. In the case illustrated the inner sides of the liners II have pluralities of horizontally extending vertically spaced raised sections 2'I each presenting a roughened surface. As best illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings the surfaces of the sections 21 present multiplicities of truncated pyramids 28. The flattened or truncated pyramids 28 are effective in preventing slipping of the object or pipe P and penetrate the surface portions of the pipe P to minimum extent. The upperand lower ends of the 4liners I I are at and horizontal while the sides or edge surfaces 29 of the liners are flat and vertical. The edge surfaces 29 are of substantial width and in accordance with the invention are inwardly convergent, that is, the surfaces 29 of a liner II converge toward the aids of curvature of the inner and outer surfaces of the liner.

The means I2 for retaining the liners I on the slip bodies Ill are important features of the invention. The means I2 include shoulders and surfaces on the inner sides of the bodies IIl for supporting and cooperating with the liners. Each slip body Ill is provided at its inner side with an upwardly facing lower shoulder 30 and a downwardly facing upper shoulder 3|. The shoulders 30 are adjacent the lower ends of the bodies Il) and the shoulders 3| are in spaced adjacent relation to the upper ends of the bodies. As illustrated, the shoulders 30 and 3| are substantially horizontal and parallel. The inner side of each slip body I9 is provided with a pair of spaced opposing vertical abutments or surfaces 32. 'Ihe surfaces 32 occur adjacent the inner corners of the bodies I9 and lie in vertical planes. In accordance with the invention the abutments or surfaces 32 are inwardly convergent, converging toward the axes of curvature of the convex inner sides of the bodies Ill.

A pair of liners II is arranged against the inner side of each body IU and the outer edge surfaces 29 of the liners are adapted to bear against or engage the abutments or surfaces 32. The pitch or convergence of the surfaces 32 is such that the edge surfaces 29 of the liners II evenly bear on the surfaces 32 when the outer convex surfaces 26 of the liners conform to and bear on the inner sides of the bodies I0. The parts are related and proportioned so that the inner edge surfaces 29 of the liners I I are spaced apart when the outer edge surfaces 29 bear against the surfaces 32 as just described. The upper and lower ends of the elongate liners II are adapted to engage the. shoulders 39 and 3| for the direct transmission of vertical forces from the liners II to the slip bodies I9.

The means I2 further include central or intermediate grooves 35 in the inner sides of the slip bodies I0 and keys 3S fitting the grooves. The grooves 35 are preferably polygonal or rectangular having at vertical walls and extend from the lower shoulders 39 upwardly to the upper ends of the slip bodies Il). As best illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings the grooves 35 are considerably wider than the spaces 31 between the adjacent edge surfaces 29 of the liners II. The keys-36 are arranged in the grooves 35 to engage between the opposing edge surfaces 29 of the pairs of liners II to hold the liners against horizontal displacement and movement. The keys 36 are elongate members and are substantially T-shaped in horizontal cross section having main portions that occupy the grooves 35 and having reduced portions that project from the grooves 35 to t between the adjacent surfaces 29 of the liners II. The keys 36 are entered in the upper ends of the grooves 35 and are passed downwardly until their lower ends rest on the shoulders 39. With the lower ends of the keys 3E bearing on the shoulders 30 the keys project upwardly beyond the shoulders 3|.

Means are provided for holding the keys 35 against upward movement. Radial openings 39 are provided in the lbodies I0 and extend rearwardly from the grooves 35 to the rear sides of the bodies. Cotter keys 40 are passed outwardly or rearwardly through the openings 39 and their tails are spread and turned back against the rear sides of the bodies I D. The

heads of the cotter keys 40 project into the grooves 35 at the upper ends of the keys 38 to prevent upward movement of the keys. From an inspection of Fig. 5 it will be apparent that the keys 3B engaged between the opposing surfaces 29 of the adjacent liners II hold the liners in positions where their outer edge surfaces 29 bear on the body abutments or surfaces 32. Thus the keys 36 have a keystone action and definitely key or lock the slips II against movement and displacement.

The handles I3 and I4 are provided to facilitate the ready manual manipulation of the slips. The handle I3 may be termed the rear handle and is connected with the intermediate body Il) while the handles I4 are connected with the end bodies I Il.. A pair of spaced lugs 4I is provided on the rear side of the intermediate body I 0 above its main outer surface I5 and a pin 42 is arranged in horizontal openings Ain the lugs 4I. The handle I3 is pivotally supported by the pin 42. The handle I3 is curved or bent having an inner part 43 and an upper outwardly projecting part 44. A loop-like or stirrupshaped grip 53 is provided on the outer end of the handle part 44.. The grip 53 is provided with depending skirts 54 adapted to rest on the surface of the table to hold the body of the grip elevated' for easy engagement. The handles I4 are similar in shape to the handle I3 having inner Iparts 4?a and outer parts 44a. The. inner parts 43a o-f the' handles I4 are received between .the pairs of lugs 45 on the upper rear portions ofthe 'end-most bodies I0. Pivot pins 46 are arranged in transverse openings in the lugs 45 to pivotally support the handles I4. The outer ends of the handle portions 44a have loop-like grips 41. The grips 4l are adapted to rest on theV upper surface of the rotary table when the slips areengaged in the opening O. The part 43 of the handle I3 is engageable with a substantially vertical rear surface 50 of its body I to limit the upward swinging of the handle. The broken lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrate the raised or uppermost position of the handle I3. The portions 43HL of the handles I4 are engageable with rear surfaces of their respective bodies to limit the upward pivoting of the handles I4. The handles I3 and I4 are provided with stop means for limiting their downward pivoting. Stops 5I are formed on the lower ends of the handles I3 and I4 and are adapted to engage the bodies I0 to limit the downward pivoting of the handles. 'I'he handles I3 and I4 mounted and. shaped as above described automatically. assume the lowered positions upon being released and when in these positions are out of the paths of the descending elevators and yet are conveniently accessible for manual engagement.

It is believed that the utility and practicability of the improved slip construction of the present invention will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. W'hen the slips are in operation the liners II engage the object or pipe P to support the same or to transmit rotation thereto. The truncated pyramids 28 of the liners II -dependably resist or prevent slippage between the pipe P and the slips. The keys 36 engaged between the opposing surfaces 29 of the adjacent liners II ,positively key or lock the i liners in positions where they bear on 'the surfaces 32 and the inner sides of the bodies IIJ. The liners II directly engage the body shoulders 30 `and 3| and the body surfaces 32 for the direct transmission of both vertical forces and rotational forces to the body and the retaining means or lock means are subjected to little or no strain. If it becomes desirable or necessary to replace the liners II the Cotter keys 40 are driven from the openings 39 and the keys 36 are slid from the grooves 35. Upon removal of the keys 36 the liners II may be easily detached from the bodies IU. New or replacement liners II may be readily positioned on the -bodies I0 and the keys 36 may be replaced .and locked in position by the cotter pins 40 to secure the new or replacement liners.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of any invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art, or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a slip of the character described, a slip body having spaced longitudinal abutments on its inner side lying in inwardly converging planes, a pair of removable liners arranged against the inner side of the body to be in spaced relation,f the outer longitudinal edges of the liners. being inwardly convergent to t against the abutments, and a longitudinal key inserted between the liners holding the liners against the abutments to be locked against inward movement thereby.

2.l In a slip of the character described, a slip body having spaced vopposing abutments on its inner side lying in inwardly 'converging planes, a pair of removable liners at the inner side of the body having inwardly convergent inner and outer edges, the liners being arranged to have their outer edges in said convergent planes and thus engage with said abutments and to have their inner edges in spaced substantially parallel relation, and a removable key engaged between'the inner edges of the liners to maintain the engagement of said outer edges with the abutments.

43. In a slip of the character'described a sli-p body, a shoulder on the inner side of the body, spaced opposing locking abutments on the inner side of the body extending transversely of the shoulder and lying in inwardly convergent planes, a pair of liners at the inner side of the body having ends engaging the shoulder, the liners'being arranged in side by side relation with their inner edges in spaced relation and their outer edges in said convergent planes to have locking engagement with said abutments, and removable key means on the body engaged between said inner edges of the liners to maintain said locking engagement so that the liners are locked against inward displacement, said abutments and key means transmitting forces transverse of the shoulder from the liners to the body.

4. In a slip of the character described, a body, spaced opposing generally parallel shoulders on the inner side of the body, spaced -opposing abutments on the inner side of the body extending transversely of the shoulders and lying in inwardly converging planes, two liners bearing against and substantially conforming to the in@- ner side of the body with their ends against said shoulders to be held against movement in one direction by the shoulders, the liners having inwardly convergent inner and outer edge surfaces, the liners being arranged to have their outer edge sur-faces in said converging .planes to be in locking engagement with said opposing abutments of the body and to have their inner edge surfaces in spaced relation, and a key removably carried by the body and engaging between said spaced inner edge surfaces of the liners to maintain said locking engagement, the liners being held against movement in a direction transverse of the rst named direction and -against inward displacement by said locking engagement with said opposing abutments of the body.

5. In a slip of the character described, a body having a substantially horizontal shoulder and having spaced opposing substantially vertical lock abutments on its inner side, a pair of liners varranged to bear against the inner side of the body and to have end faces bear on the shoulder, the liners having substantially vertical outer edge lock surfaces formed to lock with said abutments when shifted horizontally into cooperation with the abutments, the liners being arranged with their said edge lock surfaces in cooperation with the lock abutments of the body and with their inner vertical edge surfaces in spaced relation, and a removable key on the body engaging between the spaced inner edge surfaces of the liners to maintain the locking engagement between the lock abutments and said edge lock surfaces.

6. In a slip of the character described, a body having a recess in its inner side, the side walls of the recess lying in inwardly convergent planes, a pair of liners seated in the recess with their upper and lower ends bearing on the end walls of the recess, the side edges of the liners being inwardly convergent to lie in said planes in cooperation with said side walls, and a removable key engaging between the inner side edges of the liners to hold the outer side edges of the liners in cooperation with the side walls of the recess so that the liners are retained in the recess by said cooperation.

7. In a slip of the character described, a body having a substantially horizontal shoulder and a substantially vertical undercut abutment on its inner side, a liner removably arranged to bear against the inner side of the body and to have an end bear on the shoulder and a Vertical edge in conforming engagement with said vertical surface, and a key engaging the opposite vertical edge of the liner to maintain said engagement between the abutment and the irst named vertical edge and thus hold the liner in place.

8. In a slip of the character described, a body having a concave inner side, a substantially horizontal shoulder on said inner side and a substantially vertical shoulder on said inner side lying in a plane substantially radial relative to the axis of curvature of said inner side, a removable liner arranged against and generally conforming to the inner side of the body with an end bearing on the horizontal shoulder, the liner having one vertical edge lying in said radial plane to have locking engagement with the vertical shoulder, and a vertical key engaged against the opposite edge of the liner to retain the liner against said vertical shoulder to be retained thereby.

9. In a slip of the character described, a body having a recess in its inner side, the side walls of the recess lying in inwardly convergent planes,

there being a lvertical groove in the back wall of the recess, a 'pair of liners seated in the recess with their upper and lower ends engaging the end walls of the recess, the vertical edges of the liners being inwardly convergent and the outer vertical edges of the liners lying in said lplanes to lock with the side walls of the recess, and a key removably arranged in the groove and having a part engaged between the inner edges of the liners to maintain said outer edges in locking engagement with said side walls whereby the liners are locked against displacement.

10. In a slip of the character described, a body having a recess in its inner side, the side walls of the recess lying in inwardly convergent planes, there being a vertical groove in the back wall of the recess, a pair of liners seated in the recess'with their upper and lower ends engaging the end walls of the recess, the vertical edges of the liners being inwardly convergent and the outer vertical edges of the liners lying in said planes to have locking cooperation with the side walls of the recess, a key inserted in the groove to engage between the inner edges of the liners to maintain said outer edges in locking engagement with said side walls and thus lock the liners against displacement, and means retaining the key in the groove.

11. In a slip of the character described, a body having a recess in its inner side, the side walls of the recess lying in inwardly convergent planes, there being a vertical groove in the back wall of the recess, a pair of liners seated in the recess with their upper and lower ends engaging the end walls of the recess, the vertical edges of, the liners being inwardly convergent and theouter vertical edges of the liners lying in said planes to have locking cooperation with the side walls of the recess, the liners partially overlying the groove, a key inserted in the groove, and a rib on the key fitting between the inner edges of the liners to maintain said outer edges in locking engagement with said side walls and thus lock the liners against displacement.

GLENN D. JOHNSON. 

